2 Karamajong Rustlers Killed In Cross-border Raid

At least 12 armed Karamajong cattle rustlers are confirmed dead following clashes with the Kenyan Pokot warriors on Independence Day eve.

Cattle rearing is one of the major activities carried out in the Karamoja region

The cross-border incident occurred some 240 kilometers South East of Moroto town in the North Pokot West district in Kenya.

Lt. Jimmy Omara, the UPDF 3rd Division army spokesperson, said that up to 180 rustlers from Nadunget and Rupa Sub Counties on Tuesday night crossed into Kenya.

He notes that the Pokot had learnt of the planned attack, and alerted their fighters. He adds that the prepared Pokot attacked them before reaching their kraals killing 12 on spot before others scampered for their lives. He however, adds that they managed to grab 600 head of cattle.

Nahaman Ojwee, the Moroto Resident District Commissioner, confirms the clashes between the warring pastoralists at Lorengikipi in Kenya without divulging the details. He says a team has been dispatched to establish the number of the dead. He appeals to the Karimojong to settle and carry out agriculture.

Brigadier Lakara Nakibus, the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division Commander, said that the army has joined the hunt for warrior remnants in Karamoja. He describes the attack on Kenyan pastoralists as unfortunate at a time elders are making efforts to rebuild peace.

This is not the first time the Karimojong are being killed in cross border raids this year. At least 18 warriors were killed by Turkana home guards during attacks in May. The rustlers were killed in a fierce gun battle at Namoruputh and Lokiriama in Loima district in Kenya.